Catch Me If You Can: Your Guide to Recreational Lobster Season in California
September 22, 2025
The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) is a distinct, clawless crustacean found in the rocky reefs and kelp forests of the eastern Pacific, ranging from Monterey Bay, California, south to Baja California, Mexico. As a nocturnal forager, this reddish-brown predator plays a vital role in the nearshore ecosystem, notably by preying on sea urchins, which helps to maintain the health and balance of California’s iconic kelp forests.
WILDCOAST is looking forward to the recreational lobster season opening on September 26th at 6pm. Our team will be set up at Dana Landing on Mission Bay in San Diego to educate our local fishing community on the benefits of MPAs and lobster take restrictions. You are responsible for knowing the rules before you go, so check out some key take-homes before you head out to sea, here!
When is the recreational lobster season?
Friday September 26, 2025 at 6 pm to Wednesday March 18, 2025 at 11:59 pm
What licenses do I need?
To fish for lobster you must have a CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card and California sport fishing license (that includes kids!) – available at CDFW’s Online License Sales and Service. You must have it on your person/boat while fishing. You must turn in these report cards by April 30th this website or by mail to:
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Lobster Report Card
3883 Ruffin Rd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Where can I hunt for lobster?
You can catch a lobster anywhere along the coast of CA that does not lie in a Marine Protected Area. There are 11 here in San Diego, you can use the CDFW Ocean Sport Fishing Interactive Web Map to find out where they are! Please note it is illegal to catch a lobster inside these protection zones.
How can I catch a lobster?
The only legal ways to catch a lobster are using a hoop net (instructional video) or your hands (instructional video)!
All skin and scuba divers can only use their hands to take lobster. If fishing from a public pier, you may use up to 2 hoop nets. If fishing from a vessel, you may possess up to 5 hoop nets, but the total number of hoop nets on the vessel cannot surpass 10, despite the number of people on board.
How big does my lobster need to be?
Three and one-fourth inches, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell (3 1⁄4 inch carapace). You are required to use a lobster gauge measurement tool. Please see the lobster measurement diagram (PDF) on how to measure your lobster.
How many can I catch?
Each individual can only have 7 lobsters in their possession at a time, that includes those in your fridge at home!
How should I enjoy my lobster?
With butter!!!
P.S. Why don’t spiny lobsters share their hoop nets?
… Because they’re too shellfish
